Questions and Answers…

Will the Chapel and Mary’s Garden be enlarged?

Because our chapel and Mary’s Garden are places filled with many memories and history for our parishioners, they will remain basically the same, except the chapel will be brought up to current building code and will be refurbished and refreshed. There is the possibility we would add a meditation/prayer garden onto the new addition.

Does the plan include more handicapped parking spaces?

Yes, the plan includes more handicapped parking spaces closer to the church doors and a second drop off location to relieve congestion in the bell tower circle area. General traffic flow onto and within our campus and church signage or demarcation to make it easier for people to find our church building, are also being considered.

Will there be more lighting in the parking areas and walkways?

Yes, this is part of the plan.

How long will the process take?

The process is expected to take about 16 months and would likely be done in three phases so we could continue to use the chapel and the church with as little disruption as possible.

Where will we have Mass during the renovations and enlargement?

Phase one would be the addition of a new music wing and bathroom facilities on the west side of the narthex (foyer) between the church main entry doors and the chapel. This phase will mean very little disruption. By putting the expanded bathroom facilities and music room in this location, we will have a foyer that is used more and will help relieve some of our current congestion by the front doors. The chapel refurbishment would come in this phase and would mean that Masses normally held there would be held in the sanctuary.

Phase two would be the enlargement of the sanctuary and this would be done by taking the area behind the green curtain, the current bathrooms, sacristies and music room and removing them to make room for the expanded seating. This area would have a plywood wall put up to separate it from the sanctuary and depending on the timing of this phase, we may or may not have to have overflow seating in the Spirit Building or extra Masses to accommodate everyone.

Phase three would be the renovation of the sanctuary itself and this phase is expected to take about 6 months and would require us to vacate the sanctuary. We would hold Masses in the Parish Life Center, Spirit Building or in a tent like we do at Easter. The timing of this phase would be during the time when our attendance is the lowest.

How soon will construction begin?

It takes about a year to get all the necessary county and city approvals and we would like the project to begin as soon as possible. Consideration must be given to the project’s timing for least disruption to our parishioners and church services. Completion of everything by Easter, 2011 is the goal.

Watch your next newsletter for more questions and answers.

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